Free metalwork training program offered in Upper Bucks
Bucks County Community College has partnered with five organizations and local employers to offer its highly successful metalwork training program in Perkasie. The program, focusing on metal fabrication fundamentals, is free for those who qualify and begins Sept. 23 at the college’s Upper Bucks Campus, One Hillendale Road, Perkasie.
To see if students meet the criteria to qualify for free training, applicants must attend a mandatory information session at the Upper Bucks Campus at 1 p.m. Aug. 13 or Aug. 27.
The program is offered in partnership with the Upper Bucks County Technical School, the Quakertown Area Planning Committee, the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce, the County of Bucks, Bucks County Workforce Development Board, and area employers.
The 12-week, full-time program consists of four days a week in class, and one day a week off-site for company tours. The program introduces students to the concepts and hands-on skills required in manufacturing in a variety of industries. Students will receive a certificate of completion, OSHA10 and Forklift Safety Training certification, and sit for the National Institute for Metalworking Skills exam for Measurement, Materials, and Safety Certification. They will also receive one-on-one job recruitment services.
Interested students must attend either the Aug. 13 or Aug. 27 information session to apply to the program. Representatives of companies looking to hire skilled workers will be on hand to answer questions. These local employers will help select candidates for the program.
The ideal candidate is someone who likes to work with his or her hands, problem solve, and is looking to start a new career. Efforts will be made to connect those who successfully complete the program with local employers. The job-placement rate of past graduates is well over 90%.
The program is funded through a Community Development Block Grant provided by the Bucks County Commissioners. The goal is to provide training to develop the necessary skills to pursue a successful career in our local manufacturing companies.
Requirements for the program include: must be a U.S. Citizen or possess a Green Card; must be at least 18 years old; must have a high school diploma or GED; must pass a mechanical aptitude test, drug screening, background check, and a physical test; and must have reliable transportation to commute to training and to a variety of industry field trips.
For information, contact Stephanie Wenger at 215-9688478. To register for the free information session on Aug. 13 or Aug. 27, call 267-685-4884 or email Bridget.Hughes@bucks.edu.